At the offices of Family Smile Care Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, Dr. Amy Stodola and Dr. Renee Maikon offer superior preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. Teeth whitening is one of their most popular treatments, improving stained tooth enamel by up to eight shades. What a difference it makes! Learn more here.
How do teeth get stained?
Poor brushing and flossing habits change tooth color as food residues (plaque and tartar) accumulate. However, anyone can acquire yellowish or brown stains from tobacco, dark foods, such as soy sauce, and dark beverages such as cola, coffee, tea, and sports drinks.
These stains are called extrinsic because they invade the top layer of tooth structure. Enamel is porous, and it absorbs anything you put in your mouth.
Removing dental stains
When brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings at Family SmileCare Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, doesn't work, professional teeth whitening is your best solution. After a complete oral exam to make sure your gums and teeth are healthy enough for whitening, Dr. Amy Stodola or Dr. Renee Maikon may offer you two choices:
- Crest white strips
- Opalescence teeth whitening
Crest white strips are a convenient, economical retail product. They look like pieces of clear tape, and as you apply them, their active ingredient begins to brighten light stains. The strips are good for whitening touch-ups too.
Opalescence whitening utilizes three highly concentrated carbamide peroxide gels. Delivered via custom-made acrylic trays, the gel removes stains in about two weeks of daily applications. Patients enjoy doing the treatments in the privacy of their own homes on their schedules. Results are dramatic and long-lasting, causing little to no gum or dental sensitivity as the gel is delivered right where it's needed.
Teeth whitening tips from Cedar Rapids, IA
You can keep your teeth sparkly white by:
- Brushing twice daily for a full two minutes
- Flossing to remove plaque
- Going to check-ups and cleanings with your dentist bi-annually
- Getting whitening touch-ups as needed (usually once a year)
- Stopping all tobacco usage
- Limiting consumption of dark foods
- Drinking your coffee, tea, or soda with a straw
- Drinking water throughout the day to increase saliva production and to clean tooth surfaces and gums
Rejuvenate your smile
Professional teeth whitening from the friendly team at Family Smile Care Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, produces amazing results. Call the office at (319) 362-8657 for a consultation with Dr. Amy Stodola or Dr. Renee Maikon.
